Home Portrait Graflex

Sixten Miles Moen carrying the huge 5x7 Home Portrait.

Photo © Vegar Moen.

Revolving Graflex Back 5 x 7

for Landscape and Portrait

1912-1940

Huge Reflex Camera long 25,5 cm x 24 cm wide x 23 high

By Jo Lommen

Interchangeable 5x5 inch Lensboard -Swinging Front to correct perspective.
Two or more Curtain Apertures to exposure - Roller blind Shutter Speeds -Time -1/2 to 1/500

Courtesy of the owner Mr. Vegar Moen - Sweden providing his Home Portrait camera for repair and refurbishing.

As its name implies, the Home Portrait Camera, produced by Folmer & Schwing Manufacturing department of Eastman Kodak, this Graflex reflex camera has been designed to meet the requirements of those making portraits at home. The Home Portrait Graflex camera is equipped with the well known Graflex Focal Plane shutter, but it distinguishes itself through 4 rather then 5 slits. Further more a special smart shutter mechanic which enables slow snapshots where normally time exposure would be required, which is especially adaptable for interior photography. This shutter will give automatic exposures as long as 1/2 second or instantaneous exposures of any duration up to 1/500 of a second. This is a small but interesting and very usable feature., because increased illumination may be secured with automatic exposures, by adding one or more of the exposures apertures to the full curtain opening. This adjustment consist of an escapement (C), which permits the curtain to travel its full length utilising all apertures. As an example, the curtain may be set for the full 8½ inch, 2 inch and the 1 inch opening. The shutter is adjusted to give time exposures of any duration. The first open slit is 8 ½ inch, the next slit is 2 inch followed by 1 inch, ½ inch and at last the smallest measuring ¼ inch. Slits in centimetres 21-5-2,5-0,8 cm. Total length of the focal plane shutter including the run-up on both rollers is 192 cm.

The open sections or slits are finished with 2 clips existing out of a V-shaped metal strip embedding the opaque black cloth. The bent over strips end in the straps above the open section. If any doubts about the opaque or flexibility of the curtain fabric you may consider to replace the fabric. For more info about this subject please follow this link.

The revolving back may be released for turning to a horizontal, vertical or intermediate position by pressing inward on small button directly below shutter-winding mechanism.
Open camera by pressing forward on the spring catch directly opposite forward end of handle, allowing the cover to open. Press the two side arms down to draw the focusing hood taut.
The focusing hood may be released by pressing forward the small catch in top of box permitting the hood frame to be raised for the purpose of cleaning the ground glass.

Focusing

Set diaphragm of the lens open. The Lens front raises, lowers or swings with fingertip focusing control. Interchangeable 5 inch lens board makes it easy to change lenses. The bellows capacity = 13 ¾ inch = 350 mm. The focusing hood opens automatically by pressing forward on the spring-catch directly opposite forward end of handle allowing the cover to open. Press the two side arms down to draw the focusing hood taut. Set the mirror by pressing lever H down until it locks in focusing position. You may see now an image on the ground glass. Focus the object by turning the focus knob situated on the front right side, for-or backwards until the desired object is sharply defined on the ground glass . Set the diaphragm by turning the diaphragm ring on the lens to the appropriate number. Set the shutter speed according the aperture you found on the camera tag on front of the focusing hood.

Making the Exposures

To make an instantaneous exposure when the object to be photographed is focused sharply upon the focusing screen, press downward on lever E, near the front on left-hand side of camera, releasing the mirror, which travels up out of the cone of light, automatically releasing the shutter. As the action of these is simultaneous, the object, although moving broadside to camera, can be located perfectly in the center of the plate or film.

The following table gives approximate speeds in fractional parts of a second up to one second:

The curtain apertures

The shutter curtain contains 4 apertures ranging from full open O to 1/2 of an inch. When the letter O appears in the window next to the winding key the (focal plane) shutter is wide open. The other apertures Time 8 - 2 - 1- 1/4 inch follow in rotation at window F as key is turned to the left. The shutter speed plate attached to the focusing hood gives the approximate shutter speeds in fractional parts of seconds, obtainable with the various combinations of curtain apertures and tension number. Electronic testing resulted in the table on the left. The first row shows the figures published in the official 1912 manual. The second row shows the exposure times I found testing the restored camera.

Setting the shutter for Instantaneous exposures

Depress disc D, which surrounds the shaft of lever H and revolve it until letter I stands directly opposite the white mark on lever H, indicating instantaneous exposures. When using camera for fast instantaneous exposures, also revolve disc C until the white line stands opposite R. To set the shutter speed, push down lever H. Slide the bar D to the left, exposing I indicating instantaneous exposure. Wind the curtain by turning key A to the left, until the required aperture appears at F. If the curtain is set at a smaller aperture than required release the curtain by pressing the release button marked M backward. Repeat this procedure until the proper aperture is registered at window F.

Setting the Shutter for Time exposures

Depress disc D and revolve until letter T stands opposite the white mark on lever H, turn disc C until the white line stands opposite letter R. Wind the curtain until T shows at the curtain aperture F. Set the mirror in the usual manner. After focusing, release the mirror, which travels up out of the cone of light. Begin the exposure by pressing lever M and terminate the exposure by a second pressure on lever M.

Setting the Shutter for Slow Instantaneous Exposures

Slow instantaneous exposures may be made by winding curtain until T shows on aperture index at F, and turning disc C so that the white line stands opposite letter S, which permits the full curtain aperture, 8", to pass over the recording field, giving exposures as indicated in fourth column on speed plate, indicated as the 8" curtain aperture column. However, these slow instantaneous exposures may be increased by winding curtain up until the 2" registers at letter F, which will permit the 2" and 8" curtain apertures to pass the recording plane, giving a 251,' increased exposure to that shown in the fourth or 8" curtain aperture column. It is not recommended that the entire number of curtain apertures be allowed to pass the recording plane.

Setting the mirror

Press lever H down until it locks. A safety lock prevents the curtain from being re-wound before the mirror is set when mechanism is set for instantaneous exposures, this prevents fogging the plate or film while dark slide is withdrawn, making it necessary to set the mirror before rewinding the shutter.

Caution !
A safely lock prevents the winding of the curtain before the mirror is set in position.
This prevents fogging of the film, making it necessary to set the mirror before rewinding the shutter curtain.

Regulating the shutter speed

Tension on the curtain is regulated by turning the milled head B to the right until the required tension number appears at window G. The numbers run from 1 to 6, the highest number indicating the greatest speed. If the tension number is set at a higher tension than required, release the tension of the spring by pressing escapement P up und down until the proper tension number is registered at window G. Example: for an exposure 1/235 of a second, register curtain aperture 3/8 at window F and tension 5 at window G.
Note: The photos on the left and right are taken of the Home Portrait camera belonging to Vegar Moen Sweden. The condition of the leather covering was so bad that it was removed. See for more info about the refurbishment. of the Home Portrait this focal plane shutter repair page.

Photos © Jo Lommen

Instantaneous Exposures

After the shutter has been set, and the image on the ground-glass focusing screen properly focused, the exposure is made by one gentle, downward pressing of the release lever, located on the forward left hand side of the camera body. The pressure on the lever simultaneously releases the mirror and curtain. Slow instantaneous exposures of about 1/5 second can be made with the curtain set at O (full opening) and tension 1. Pressure upon the shutter release causes the mirror to rise just before the curtain drops and thus closing the exposing aperture. When making slow exposures the camera should be properly supported on a table or tripod.

Time exposures

Press down lever H and slide the bar D to the right exposing letter T indicating Time exposures. Wind the curtain until the letter T is registered at window F. After focusing the image release the mirror and commence the exposure by a gentle backward pressure on button M. At the expiration of the required time, terminate the exposure by a second pressure on button M.

Lens versatility
The Camera Body only cost           $ 150,00
With Zeiss Kodak Anastigmat f6,3 $ 240,00
With B&L Zeiss Tessar Ser Ic f4,5 $ 265,50
With B&L Zeiss Tessar ser Ic f4,5   $ 312,00
With Cooke Ser II f4,5                    $ 270,00
With Cooke IV f 5,6                        $ 230,00

Minimum focus of lens accommodated 10 inch in recessed lens board and 12 inch in normal flat lens board.
Depending on which camera you have. Prior to 1916 the Home Portrait had a recessed lens board and a slight rearward body bevel above the lens standard. The recessed lens board was able to accommodate lenses as short as 10 inch. As from 1916 the body was modernised: the bevel and the recessed lens board were eliminated. About 1929 the almost pyramidal hood was enlarged for easier viewing. The body of the Home Portrait Graflex was even used for "Big Bertha" Photography. Its revolving back and large lens standard were easily adapted to such giants as the 40 inch f8 Dallmeyer Telephoto. In this camera are combined all the capabilities of Graflex direct full vision focusing, focal plane shutter, especially adapted to interior photography and other special features to provide an outstanding camera for home portrait work. The Graflex advertisement on the right side of the page recommends all the features of this special camera. Here below the easy reading text.

Lens Versatility

The Home Portrait Graflex is equiped with a lens front that raises, lowers or swings and with sensitive fingertip focusing control. It readily accepts the Kodak Anastigmat and other f 4,5 lenses as well as f 3.5 and telephoto lenses of approves selection. With the Home Portrait Graflex it is possible to photograph indoors and under difficult conditions. The operator can move freely from point to point, watching his subject in the viewing hood, keeping his subject in perfect focus and always ready in an instant to capture for ever that exclusive perfect moment of composition or expression.

Versatility

The owner of the Home Portrait Graflex camera is enable to grasp countless fruitful opportunities for making home portraits that live, far removed from the stony stillness of ordinary posed pictures. Under many interior conditions it is possible with the lens well open and with Super Sensitive Film to use a slow instantaneous exposure - often of great importance when the person is a lively youngster, perhaps with an active pet.

Large excellent Portraits.

The large film or plate area of this camera, 5x7 inches, securing big images without approaching the subject too closely and a 12 inch focal length lens lends good perspective all adding to the possibilities of the Home Portrait Camera. While other special work also falls within its field, it is primarily a home portrait camera and in such work its adaptability and versatility place it first and foremost. The earliest Home Portrait camera was made from 1912-1915. The next generation from 1916 - 1928 and finally the latest from 1929-1940.

Operating the Revolving Back

The back of the Home Portrait camera can be revolved by pressing the little know on the right side of the camera next to the winding key. Pres and turn the back as far as you like up or downwards making it possible to use the camera in landscape or portrait mode.

The correct position to hold the camera for general work is against the body. All controls are so arranged that the hands fall naturally into the proper position. The right hand should grasp the focusing knob and the left hand the front corner of the camera. The release lever is conveniently located so that it may be operated by the left thumb.

Front movements

The swinging, rising and falling front is controlled by milled head J at right-hand upper corner of front. Being operated by bevelled gear and quick thread, it locks automatically at any desired point, but should be centred as indicated by the line on right-hand side before closing front of camera.

As the 5x7 inch film is still available, this beautiful press camera can still be used in our modern digital era for taking fine portraits and other studio or outdoor work. Most of the time the mechanisms are still in good shape and only need thorough cleaning and a drop of oil or grease. The only concern is the focal plane shutter fabric. After one hundred year the fabric is brittle, stiff and full of tiny light leaks. Renewing this curtain is not very easy and should be the work of a specialist. Also the focusing hood may give some problems as the leatherette of the hood is worn out, broken or full of holes. Ground glass can be broken or even missing, mirror can be broken or matt. The mirror should be a surface mirror rather than a regular one. A regular mirror (with the silver reflecting layer beneath the glass surface) would project a false image on the ground glass that does not match the real distance between lens and subject. Meaning, the photo will not be as sharp as seen on the ground glass.
There is another eye catching detail that ask for more attention. The Home Graflex camera can be used with exchangeable lenses in the front lens holder box. The construction of the box is such that short as well as long lenses can be used. One lensboard is flush with the front of the camera for use with medium or long focus lenses. Another smaller board fitted to the depressed font permits the use of shorter lenses.
In addition to these features, the front is fitted with a raising and lowering device which affords ample movement in either direction.

Repair instructions

Open the camera and remove the focusing hood. Now you have access to the ground glass. Carefully remove the springs holding the focusing ground glass. Remove the ground glass. You have to loosen the shaft of the mirror mechanism by unscrewing the four screws above the mirror. On the opposite side of the camera you find the round spring assembly box attached by 3 screws to the camera body. Unscrew the 3 screws one by one while holding the disc shaped box under pressure. After unscrewing the last screw let the round box or assembly slip back in neutral position. Remove the assembly from the camera. Now the shaft can be pulled out by the mirror setting lever. Having done that the upper panel can be easily removed by unscrewing the four screws of the panel. To get access to the curtain and rollers assembly you have to remove the back. All screws are visible except the two ones holding the top of the back. You'll find them beneath the holder slide lock in horizontal position. Do not disassemble the roller from the curtain unless absolutely necessary.

To remove the lower control panel

First release the tension of the lower roller by repeatedly moving knob P upward until figure 1(one) is visible in the window. Unscrew the panel but leave the upper right screw. Unscrew the bolt and place screwdriver in the slit of the shaft. While holding the screwdriver in this position unscrew the last screw and tilt the panel. You'll now notice the tension on the screwdriver and you may let slip the screwdriver through your fingers until the tension is released. Now you can lift the plate assembly . Clean the mechanism and use a tiny bit of oil to make it work smooth again. Check the good working of the lower roller.

To remount the upper panel roll the curtain until it is in open position. Make sure that the upper edge of the curtain matches with the upper edge of the camera exposure opening. The figure in the window of the upper panel has to be "O" . Find the right docking where the gear of the upper roller shaft meets the tooth wheel with the figures. Replace the four screws. Now replace the shaft into the hole and slide it as far as possible. Make sure that the mirror is down and the position of the lever H is down. Replace the four screws in the shaft on the upper side of the mirror. If that is done you have to release the mirror so that is stays in high position. In this position you need less power to finish the next step, the most difficult part of the operation. You may need any help of somebody with strong hands. The fact is that replacing the round box with the mirror spring is quite a job. You will have to turn the disc shaped box clockwise two or three positions. I used a pair of sharp pointed tweezers to turn the disc shaped box into its position.

Remounting the lower assembly.

Set counter on position (1) one. Replace the panel and place screwdriver through the hole of the panel in the slit of the gear of the shaft. Grab panel between thumb and forefinger and lift it so that you can freely turn the shaft with the screwdriver without that the counter-mechanism is connected to the gear of the shaft. Turn the shaft anti clockwise until the spring tension is fairly high. While holding the tension on the shaft with the screwdriver, replace the panel by letting it down. The mechanism will immediate snap to the gear thus preventing that the spring in the shaft releases. You'll be able to replace one or two screws and check the shutter speed. The shutter speed will be fine if the curtain closes from position Open to Close when pressing the release button and the window shows tension 2. To increase the tension you may repeat the previous procedure until the curtain drops nicely from the O to the close position. Each time you release the shutter, you'll have to reset the mirror.

Renew the shutter curtain

Even if your classic camera seems to be in good condition and ready to use, you may soon find out that the focal plane shutter is slow or even worse has pinholes

The above link to the page is very helpful if you intend to renew your focal plane shutter cloth or want to speed up the exposure time.

The next photographs may help you to understand the perfect quality of the Home camera in the hands of an artist such as Vegar Moen who lives in Sweden

Svante, Signe and Sixten

Using well adjusted classic cameras may result in such an extraordinary good shot of your children.

Graflex Press 5x7 with Heliar 240mm / 3.5 lens wide open at 1/100th sec.

Handheld. HP5+ @ 200ASA, Moersch Finol developer, 24 ‘C, 12 minutes. Shuffling in trays.

"Strangers in Town"

This exhibition was part of the NåDa project, funded by Norwegian Art Associations

All photos by Vegar Moen were taken on film with the refurbished Graflex 5x7 Home Portrait camera from1917.

Graflex Cameras

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